Dorothea Phyllis Patterson

Dorothea ‘Dottie’ Patterson passed away Friday, September 25th after a challenging year of health issues. Born in Belvidere, Illinois she was the oldest of 8 children. Her family moved from Illinois to Wisconsin and then back to Illinois settling in the Chicago area. She graduated from Chicago Christian High School. While working in a neighborhood grocery store she met Richard Patterson and they were married in 1950. They were together for 64 years. She and Richard had three children and lived in DeKalb, IL until 1966 when they moved to Jacksonville. She worked as an office manager, sales promoter and a travel agent. An active member and officer in Beta Sigma Phi for 50 years, she was also a member of Deercreek Garden Club, Golf Club and Book Club. A long time member and officer of American Business Women's Association, there were very few days on her calendar that were not full of activities and volunteer work. She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her parents; two sisters and one brother. She leaves behind her three children, Gary Patterson (Gail), Gail Howalt (Gary), Guy Patterson (Deryl); seven grandchildren, Courtney (Ryan), Carson, Kevin (Lauren), Keith, Hunter, Austin, Sarah; one great grandchild, Samantha; two brothers and two sisters. She did so much for so many and we were all better for having known her. We will miss her smile, willingness to take on any project and her ability to always stay positive. A gathering will be held Saturday, October 17th from 2-4 p.m. in Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin.